The Women's SAFF-winning forward has made the allegation on social media
Published : 04 Feb 2025, 08:26 PM
Footballer Matsushima Sumaya, who declared “rebellion” against coach Peter James Butler, says she has been threatened with rape and death.
The women's SAFF Championship winner took to the social media on Tuesday to make these serious allegations.
The footballers who “rebelled” against the coach are still taking their stand, and refuse to practise under Butler.
People are sharing mixed reactions on social media, with some supporting the players and others opposing them.
In her post, she shared that she fought against her parent’s wishes to become a footballer and fulfil her dream of playing for Bangladesh, which is now turning into a nightmare.
"Assalamu Alaikum. My name is Matsushima Sumaya. I am a player of the Bangladesh women's national football team. From playing as an English medium student in an inter-school to winning the league in Maldives and winning the SAFF Women’s Football Championship 2024 for Bangladesh – this journey has been a bumpy one for me.
“Ever since I chose this path, my dream has been to inspire young students whose parents want them to focus only on their studies. I wanted to show that passion and enthusiasm can break barriers. But today, I sit here with regret— of sacrificing my education, my family, Eid, everything to serve a country that does not know how to appreciate our struggle.”
Sumaya had written an English copy of the three-page statement against coach Butler that the “rebel” footballers read out at the press conference.
Since then, she claims to have been receiving death threats.
“I fought with my parents to play football, believing that my country would be by my side, but the reality is different. No one really cares about the mental health of an athlete.
“I have the minimum ability to write a letter in English about the situation we have been through for myself and my teammates. Over the past few days, I have received countless death and rape threats—the words have devastated me in ways I never imagined.
“I don’t know how long it will take me to recover from this trauma, but I know that no one should have to go through this to follow their dreams,” the post read.
The Bangladesh Football Federation, or BFF, is investigating the players’ “rebellion” against the coach.
A report is due to be submitted next Thursday.